News Summary
Grand Rapids will welcome mandolin virtuoso Brian Oberlin and his band Full Cord for a live performance at SpeakEZ Lounge in spring 2025. Oberlin, known for his innovative bluegrass style, has been making waves in the music community, especially with Full Cord’s recent album. The band is recognized for their contributions to the bluegrass genre and will also perform in Ludington soon. Tickets for the Grand Rapids event will be available, allowing fans to enjoy an evening full of musical talent and creativity.
Grand Rapids Welcomes Acclaimed Mandolinist Brian Oberlin
Grand Rapids is set to host renowned mandolin player and educator Brian Oberlin for an upcoming performance with his band Full Cord at SpeakEZ Lounge in spring 2025. Known for his innovative approach to bluegrass and diverse musical influences, Oberlin has carved out a significant presence in the music scene.
Oberlin is not only a talented musician but also a member of the multi-award-winning bluegrass band, Full Cord, which has recently released a new album that has been gaining chart recognition since its launch in November 2023. The band has been acclaimed as a “super-group on the rise” and was honored with the Momentum Award Band of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
In addition to their performance in Grand Rapids, Full Cord will appear at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts on January 31, 2025. Tickets for this event are priced at $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and attendees can also enjoy a cash bar and art exhibitions at the venue.
Musical Journey and Influences
Oberlin, who grew up in Rockford, Michigan, discovered the mandolin during high school after listening to an album by Diamond Rio. Before focusing on the mandolin, he had experience playing various instruments, including the drums, guitar, banjo, fiddle, piano, concertina, and alto saxophone. His musical journey has led him to explore multiple genres such as swing, bluegrass, country, pop, and classical.
Throughout his career, Oberlin has founded several bands, including Grasshoppah, and has performed across the U.S., Canada, and in several European countries including Italy, Germany, Holland, and Poland. His dedication to music education led him to establish the River of the West Mandolin Camp, the Great Lakes Mandolin Camp, and the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra. Upon returning to Michigan, he continued his work in music education by founding the Michigan Mandolin Orchestra.
Legacy and Recognition
Oberlin’s contributions to the music scene have not gone unnoticed, as he was inducted into the Rockford High School Hall of Fame in 2016. His impact is amplified by his recognition of the artists who have inspired him, identifying three pivotal albums that shaped his musical direction:
- Various Artists, “The Bluegrass Class of 1990” (1990) – Featuring artists like Doc Watson and Ricky Skaggs.
- The Dillards, “There Is A Time” (1991) – A greatest hits compilation with original songs.
- Bela Fleck, “Drive” (1988) – A celebrated instrumental album in the bluegrass genre.
Full Cord’s Commitment to Bluegrass
As a crucial member of Full Cord, Oberlin and his bandmates aim to honor the legacy of influential Michigan bluegrass artists such as Billy Strings and Greensky Bluegrass. Oberlin describes their musical style as “new and fresh” for seasoned bluegrass fans, emphasizing the band’s growing repertoire as they continue to expand their audience.
With a promising calendar ahead, including performances in both Grand Rapids and Ludington, Brian Oberlin and Full Cord are poised to deliver a musical experience that resonates with fans of all ages and backgrounds.
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Additional Resources
- Manistee News: Full Cord Bluegrass Set
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass
- Big Rapids News: Billy Strings 2025 Tour
- Google Search: Billy Strings Michigan
- MLive: Billy Strings Concerts 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Folk Music
- GQ: Billy Strings
- Google News: Folk and Bluegrass Music
